Vacuum bottle cap



Dec. 10, 1957 B. P. HERMES VACUUM BOTTLE CAP 2 sheets-snee?l 1 Filed March 4, 1955 INVENTOR. Ber/zdrd/u/erm'e ATI'DRN EYE Dec. 10, 1957 B. P. HERMES 2,815,879'

AvAcJuun/f BOTTLE CAP Filed March 4, 1955 2 sheets-sheet 2 l INVENTOR. .K fern/e5 United States Patent O VACUUM BOTTLE CAP Bernard P. Hermes, Pensacola, Fla.

Application March 4, 1955, Serial No. 492,081

2 Claims. (Cl. 21S-13) This invention relates to a vacuum bottle, and more particularly to a cap for a vacuum bottle.

The object of the invention is to provide a cap for a vacuum bottle whereby the contents of the bottle can be removed by suction applied to drinking straws.

Another object of the invention is to provide a cap for a vacuum bottle which permits trapped air to escape when capping the bottle so that the bottle can be more easily closed, and whereby the contents of the bottle can be readily removed in a more sanitary manner, and whereby spillage will be eliminated and whereby the desired temperature of the contents will be maintained.

A further object of the invention is to provide a vacuum bottle cap which is extremely simple and inexpensive to manufacture.

Other objects and advantages will be apparent during the course of the following description.

ln the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this application, and in which like numerals are used to designate like parts throughout the same:

Figure 1 is a longitudinal sectional view taken through a bottle with the cap of the present invention mounted thereon.

Figure 2 is a top plan view of the bottle of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a sectional View taken on the line 3-3 of Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a View illustrating the straw in raised position and the cover lifted and the cap detached from the bottle.

Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 3, but showing a modified arrangement of the air holes.

Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 3 but showing a further modified arrangement of the air passageway.

Figure 7 is a sectional View illustrating a modified cap or cover for protecting the upper end of the straw.

Figure 8 is a `sectional View of a modified cap.

Figure 9 is a fragmentary sectional view of a further modified cap.

Figure 10 is a fragmentary sectional view, showing a further modified cap.

Figure 11 is a sectional view taken on the line 11-11 of Figure l0.

Figure 12 is a fragmentary sectional view of a further modified cap.

Figure 13 is a sectional View illustrating another modiiied cap.

Figure 14 is a sectional View illustrating a further modiied cap and cover.

Figure 15 is a sectional view illustrating a further modiiication wherein a means is provided for punching or forming a hole in a cap.

Figure 16 is a fragmentary sectional view illustrating a further modification.

Figure 17 is a fragmentary sectional view of a still further modied cap.

Figure 18 is a fragmentary sectional View of a further modied cap.

Figure 19 is a fragmentary sectional view of a still further modified cap.

Referring in detail to the drawings, and more particularly to Figures 1-4 of the drawings, the numeral 10 designates an inner body member which is adapted to hold a uid such as coee, soup or the like therein or a beverage, and surrounding the body member 10 is the usual housing 11 which has a collar 12 threadedly connected to the upper end thereof.

The present invention is directed to a cap which is indicated generally by the numeral 14, and the cap 14 permits the contents of the body member 10 to be withdrawn by applying suction to a straw so that there will be no loss of heat or the like resulting to the contents of the body member 10. The cap 14 can be made of any suitable material such as plastic, rubber or the like and the cap 14 includes a base or bottom wall 15 which has an outwardly aring or frusto-conical portion 16 extending upwardly therefrom, and the frusto-conical portion 16 is snugly seated in the opening in the top of the body member 10, Figure l. Extending outwardly from the frustoconical portion 16 is a flange 17 which terminates in a downwardly extending sleeve 18 which threadedly engages the threads on the upper portion of the collar 12.

The bottom wall 15 of the cap 14 is provided with an enlarged recess 19 in which is seated the upper end of a conduit 20, Figure 4. Formed integral with the upper surface of the bottom wall 15 or secured thereto is a bushing 21, and a movable straw or tube 22 extends through the bushing 21 and through the bottom wall 15, and the straw 22 is telescopically mounted in the conduit 20. A mouthpiece 23 may be mounted on the upper end of the straw 22, and a cover 24 is mounted for movement into and out of engagement with the bushing 21. A strap or strip 25 of iiexible or leather-like material has one end secured to the cap 14 by a suitable securing element 26, while the other end of the strap 25 is secured to the cover 24 by means of a securing element 27.

A means is provided for permitting air to enter the interior of the vacuum bottle so as to permit the uid to flow up through the conduit 20 when it is being sucked up through the straw 22. This means may take several forms and as for example as shown in Figure 3 the bushing 21 is provided with a plurality of openings or holes 28 which may be spaced equally apart. 0r, as shown in Figure 5 the holes 29 permit air to enter the interior of the body member 10. In Figure 6 there is shown a further modified arrangement wherein the numeral 30 designates a passageway or opening through which air can enter the interior of the body member 10.

Referring to Figure 7 of the drawings there is shown a modied cover which is indicated by the numeral 31, and the cover 31 is adapted to be used in lieu of the cover 24. Thus, the cover 31 does not have the interior threads as does the cover 24 so that the cover 31 can be applied to the bushing by means of a push or friction fit.

Referring to Figure 8 of the drawings there is shown a modified cap which is indicated by the numeral 32, and the cap 32 includes a bottom wall 33, a conical or flaring portion 35 and a flange 36. A bushing 37 extends upwardly from the bottom wall 33, and a shoulder 38 depends from the bottom wall, there being a central opening 34 in the cap through which the straw may extend.

Referring to Figure 9 of the drawings there is shown a portion of a modified cap which is indicated generally by the numeral 39, and the cap 39 again includes the threaded bushing 40, there being a recess 41 in the lower portion of the cap for receiving the head or enlarged portion which may be arranged at the top of the conduit.

Referring to Figures l0 and 1l of the drawings there is shown a still further modified arrangement wherein the cap is indicated by the numeral 42 and includes an upwardly extending threaded bushing 43, there being a conduit 44 which has a head 45 on its upper end. Passageways or openings 46 are provided whereby air can enter the interior of the body member to permit the liquid to be sucked up through the straw 47- which is telescopically arrangedin the conduitr44.

Referring to Figure l2 of; the drawings3 there is shown a still furtherA modifiedportion of a cap whichA is indicated generally by the numeraly 48, andthe cap 48 includes a bushing 49 which is provided withan enlarged recess 50, there being holes 51 which permit air to enter the interiQr Q f the body member.- In Figure 13 there. iS Shown @further modified cap whichy can be molded ofv a single piecel of suitable.material,y andthe cap 52 of Figure 13 may bei provided with a central opening 53, a flaring prtion`5v4, a flange 55, and ay depending sleeve 56 which isnotuthreaded so that it canlbe frictionally connected to the vacuum bottle, I n Figure 14 there isshown a further modified cap 57 which is provided with a central openingSS, the cap 57 including a flange 5.9. The bottom of., thel cap 57 is provided with, an annular groove or recess 60 which receives a tongue or lip 61 that depends from the lower end of a cover 62, The cover 62 can be used in lieu of the cover 24, and the cover 62 is provided with a chamber or space 63 which receives or provides clearance for the top of the straw.

Referring to Figure of the drawings there is shown a kit or assembly by which the cap can be perforated or providedwith a fitting so as to accommodate a straw. n

Thus, initially the cap 64 includes a solid bottom wall 65. Then, a cutting element` or knife 70 is provided for puncturing or forming a hole in the bottom wall 65, and then the cutting element 70 is removed after which a fitting 66 is inserted through the hole formed in the bottom wall 65. A nut 67 is arranged in engagement with the threaded portion 68 of the fitting 66 so as to maintain the parts in their proper assembled relation, and a shoulder 69 on the fitting 66 helps to maintain the fitting in its proper assembled position. The straw can then be inserted through the opening '71 in the fitting 66 to suck up the contents of the vacuum bottle.

Referring to Figure 16 of the drawings there is shown a further modification wherein the cap is indicated by the numeral 72 and a cover 73, is adapted to be removed before the mouthpiece 77 is placed in the users mouth. The cap 72 includes a flange 7,4 which rests on or abuts the topof the vacuum bottle, and a lid or container top 75 is adapted to be removed before the cover 73 is removed. The numeral 76 designates the conduit which extends down into the body member and through which the fluid passes.

Referring to Figure 17 of the drawings there is shown a. further modified cap which is indicated generally by the numeral 78, and the cap 78 includes acentral enlarged portion 79 which is provided with bores or passageways 8@ through which air can enter the interior offthe body member. A conduit 81 depends from the cap 78, and the lower portion of the conduit 81 is indicated by the numeral 82 and flares outwardly and engages the bottom of the bQdy member 88. The lower portion 82 of the conduit may be provided with scallops or apertures 83 so that the fluid can enter the conduit 81. There is further provided a telescoping or slidable straw 84 which also has apertures or scallops 85 in its lower end so that the fluid will not be blocked even when thel straw is at the bottom of the container. A cover 86 is provided for protecting the upper end of the straw when the straw is. not being used, and .the ,Cover S6 may be Secured to the cap 7S by means of a flexible strap 87.

Referring to Figure 1.8 Qf the drawings there is Shawn a Still ,further modification wherein the' Cap iS .indicated by the numeral v89 and has a conduit 90 depending therefrom, there being .a telessspically maimed Straw 9.1 A .strap 9% connects the @ver 93 t9 the eap- Bolres or passageways 94 are provided for permitting air to enter the interior of the container, and a coil spring 95 is positioned in a recess in the upper portion of the cap, there being a flexible lip 96 extending inwardly from the cap for coaction with a rigid lip 97 on the straw 91.

From the foregoing it is apparent that there has been provided a cap for a vacuum bottle which will permit the contents of the bottle, to. be withdrawn by applying suction to the straw. In using the cap shown in Figures 1-4, the parts'are mounted on the vacuum bottle as shown in the drawings and then when the contents are to be withdrawn, the cover 24 is unscrewed from the bushing 21 and then the straw 22 is raised and the mouthpiece 23 is inserted in the users mouth. Then, by sucking in the fluid within the body member 10 will enter the lower open end of the conduit 20, and then pass up through the raised or extended straw 22 and into the mouth.y The sleeve portion 18 of the cap 14 threadedly engages the collar 12 so as to maintain the cap secured in place on the vacuum bottle. Air enters the interior of the body member 1.0 through the opening 28 shown in Figure 3v or through the modified openings 29 of Figure 5 or through thel passageway 30 of Figure 6. The cover 31 can be used in lieu of the cover 24, Figure 7. The cap can be provided with a shape such as that shown in Figure 8 so that it merely rests on the vacuum bottle instead of threadedly engaging the collar. Or, the cap may have the shape shown in Figure 9. In Figures 10 and 11 the air 'which enters the body member passes through the openings 46. In yFigure 14 the cover 62 can be used for protecting or enclosing the upper end of the straw and the cover 62 is provided with a recess 63 which receives the straw when the parts are not being used.v In Figure 15 there is shown a kit whereby the cutter can be used Vfor'puncturing or forming a hole in the wall 6,5 of the cap 64.` Then, the cutter 70 is removed and the fitting 66 is inserted therethrough and held in place by the nut 67. The conduit and straw can be arranged in engagement with the fitting 66 so as to permit withdrawal `of the contents of the container. In Figure 16 there is shown a further modification and it is to be noted that the cap of the present invention does not interfere with the normal placement of the lid or cover of the vacuum bottle. In Figure 17 the recessed portions of the bottom of the conduit and straw permit the fluid to'pass up through the conduit and straw even when these members are down against the bottom wall of the member 88. In Figure 18 the top straw 91 compresses the spring when' in the full closed position and the flexible lips are strong enough to retain the spring but yet permit sullicient movement to permit the straw to be raised or lifted. The air vents in Figure 18 are indicated by the numeral 9,4.

The parts can' be made of any suitable material and may be rigid or flexible and can be made in any desired size. Knurling can be provided for facilitating the manual turning of the various parts. The present invention permits trapped air to escape when capping the bottle so that closing can be easily accomplished. Also, the contents of the bottle can be readily withdrawn and the use' is more sanitary since it will eliminate the possibility of foreign objects falling into the liquid contents. Furthermore, spillage will be' eliminated and this is especially desirable for use by school children or by occupants of moving vehicles. Furthermore, the desired temperature, whether hot or cold, will be maintained for the liquid contents for a longer period of time because of the small orifice exposure when consuming the contents. The device is convenient to use even in darkness. The cap can be used for all types of bottles and the cap serves both as a shield to protect the straw and as a seal to preclude temperature dissipation of the liquid contents of the bottle. The cap may be either the screw type or pressed seal type. The strap 2 5 prevents loss ofthe cover 24. The cutter of Figure 7 could be `used for forming a hole in a bottle cap which has already been manufactured and/or in use. The tapering portion 16 of the cap insures a tight lit between the cap and the bottle. The present invention is not directed to a vacuum bottle but it is to a vacuum bottle cap. The straw may be provided with an enlarged portion or shoulder on its lower end so as to limit upward movement of the straw in the conduit. The guide hole in the cap may be made large enough to provide clearance alongside the straw for air to enter and preclude a suction vacuum. The conduit such as the conduit Z0 may be press tted into the bottom wall of the cap.

The strip or strap 25 can be of any suitable material such as a llexible plastic material and the securing elements such as the securing elements 26 and 27 may be an integral part of the cap and cover. A suitable cap such as the cap 24 can be screwed to the member 66 to serve as a straw cover and seal. The straw may be provided with a semi-flexible flared enlarged shoulder on its lower end which limits movement of the straw upwardly in the conduit and also provides a seal between the conduit and the straw.

Referring to Figure 19 of the drawings there is shown a further modication wherein the numeral 99 designates the cap for the vacuum bottle which includes a bottom wall 100, there being a frusto-conical portion 101 extending upwardly from the bottom Wall. A threaded recess 102 is arranged in the lower surface of the bottom Wall 100, and a conduit 103 depends from the bottom Wall and has its upper end threadedly engaging the recess 102. An exteriorly threaded bushing 104 extends upwardly from the bottom wall, and a straw 105 is telescopically mounted in the conduit 103. A cap may be arranged in threaded engagement with the bushing 104, and the cap may have the same construction as previously described.

The strap such as the strap 25 may have slots adjacent its ends for the projection therethrough of the securing elements which are integral with the cap and cover.

It is to be understood that it is discretionary to use features of one version of a cap for another version of a cap so as to permit exibility and rearrangement of the parts.

I claim:

1. In combination, a vacuum bottle including an inner uid holding body member provided with an upper open end, a housing surrounding said body member, a collar surrounding the upper portion of said body member and threadedly engaging said housing, said collar having a threaded portion adjacent its upper end, a cap including a truste-conical portion snugly seated in the opening in said body member, said cap further including a bottom wall, a ange extending outwardly from the top of said frusta-conical portion and terminating in a downwardly extending threaded sleeve threadedly engaging the threaded portion of said collar, there being a central opening in said bottom wall, an exteriorly threaded bushing extending upwardly from said bottom wall, there being a plurality of air holes in said bushing, a conduit having its upper end arranged in engagement with said bottom wall, a straw telescopically mounted in said conduit and having a mouthpiece on its upper end, a cover detachably connected to said bushing, and a exible strap connecting said cover to said flange.

2. In a device of the character described, a cap including a frustro-conical portion, said cap further including a bottom wall, a flange extending outwardly from the top of said frusto-conical portion and terminating in a downwardly extending threaded sleeve, there being a central opening in said bottom wall, an exteriorly threaded bushing extending upwardly from said bottom Wall, there being a plurality of air holes in said bushing, a conduit having its upper end arranged in engagement with said bottom wall, a straw telescopically mounted in said conduit and having a mouthpiece on its upper end, a cover detachably connected to said bushing, and a exible strap connecting said cover to said flange.

References Cited in the tile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,525,273 Davis Feb. 3, 1925 2,066,121 Morris Dec. 29, 1936 2,298,938 Griin et al. Oct. 13, 1942 

